“I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.” (Psalm 138:2)
God’s word is placed above His name.
As we continue to focus on the Gospel Absolutes, it is critical that we do not forget this foundational truth.
Because, to reverse this order — by focusing on His name above His word — is a serious error.
What is true, biblical faith?
Here are a few random ideas worth considering.
Faith only comes by the word of God. By reading it. By hearing it.
Faith is confidence in a specific object or person:
- Is it faith in one’s good works?
- Is it faith in one’s religious observance?
- Is it faith in one’s “love” or acts of love?
- Is it faith in one’s “tolerance” for others and their beliefs?
- Is it faith in one’s work toward “social justice” or other humanitarian causes?
- Is it faith in one’s tithes or offerings or other sacrifices?
- Is it faith in popular scientific theory?
- Is it faith in one’s own sincerity and honesty?
- Is it faith in one’s intellect or wisdom?
- Is it faith in one’s own morality and purity?
- Is it faith in one’s own faith?
“And the scripture, forseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.” (Galatians 3:8)
In discussing what the gospel is, we first need to establish the accuracy of scripture.
Because, after all is said and done, the scriptures are our only certain authority for what the gospel really is. All else is just tradition and the opinions of men.
The above verse uses an unusual phrase. It tells us that “the scriptures” knew that something specific would happen thousands of years later.
It tell us that God, would write specific scriptural words meant for not only Adam, but also for you and me — 6000 years later!
It is fashionable in modern Evangelical churches to make creeds and statements that are much more “loose” than those of the great denominations of the past. Many of these new “creeds” are crafted in vague terms to allow for people to remain within a church or association without truly believing the gospel.
But “Why?” you might ask; “Why would any group want to do that?” Continue reading “The Gospel: No Soul Left Behind”
What is the gospel?
What truths does it involve? How simply can the gospel be preached and still be sufficient to save?
In other words, what are the gospel absolutes or the non-negotiables of salvation?
Trying to simplify the gospel is what many mainstream Evangelicals are obsessed with today. The popular discussion is how to make the message so simple and basic that anyone can believe it. And with as little trouble as possible.
Frankly, it would be very easy for me to go off on a rant about the foolishness of this obsession. But I will try to hold that back, somewhat, and provide an answer.
“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1:13,14)
A brief, simple truth here.
God’s Word saves us. It cleanses us. We are born again by the Word.
When we worry how to reach our loved ones. When we seek the Lord to give us opportunities to speak with them. To open their hearts to receive the truth.
How will we help them see the difference between the lies and false gospels they follow and the gospel of Christ?
The answer is simple.
It is the Word of God that does this. God’s written Word is a living thing that can part the clouds of this world so that the soul can see beyond to life eternal.
It is not by the cleverness, the dialogue, the eloquence or intellect or relevance of the popular teachers today that this is done.
It is by prayer; and it is by the Holy Spirit using God’s Word to do that which nothing else on heaven and earth can accomplish.
“That the God of our lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:” (Ephesians 1:17)
Salvation is not simply an agreement or assent to the idea of Christ or to a carefully constructed presentation of verses about Him.
We must believe the Word of God AND we must receive a “revelation” of the Lord Himself.
Does that sound shocking?
Eternal Approach 
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